Liquid biopsy (LBx) has started to transform oncology diagnostics. LBx involves sampling and analyzing biological fluid, primarily blood; it can be used to detect cancer cells or DNA, RNA, or other molecules that enter a person’s fluids from tumor cells. It’s already making a difference in therapy selection and monitoring, and it’s emerging as a disruptive tool for early cancer screening.
Early cancer screening has proven to be an effective way to reduce mortality, yet early screening rates remain low with current screening options, such as solid-tissue biopsy. LBx could help take early screening efforts to the next level. It is less invasive, offers faster turnaround time, and is better able to capture tumor heterogeneity than current tests. This article explores the applicability of LBx to early screening and how diagnostic players can improve acceptance of the practice among physicians and reduce costs to bring this potentially life-saving approach to more patients.
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